6th Space Operations Squadron
Encyclopedia
The 6th Space Operations Squadron (6 SOPS) is an Air Force Reserve satellite command and control squadron located at Schriever AFB, Colorado
. 6 SOPS is a backup to NOAA for Defense Meteorological Satellite Program
operations.
under the 1st Space Wing
and was given a new designation, the 1000th Satellite Operations Group ('One Grand'). The group reorganized to align itself with the structure of the 2d Space Wing
in 1985. In May 1989, Detachment 1 at Fairchild AFB, Washington, was upgraded to squadron status, becoming the 5th Satellite Control Squadron. In July 1992, the 1000th Satellite Operations Group downsized to a squadron-level organization, becoming the 6th Space Operations Squadron. The unit was still a Regular Air Force unit located in Omaha, NE.
In 1994, President William Clinton signed a bill that would merge federal weather programs. Prior to the merge, federal programs were deemed to be redundant. This merger would save the government money and allow one entity to control national weather products. The merger would move weather operations to the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) located in Suitland, MD.
Colorado
Colorado is a U.S. state that encompasses much of the Rocky Mountains as well as the northeastern portion of the Colorado Plateau and the western edge of the Great Plains...
. 6 SOPS is a backup to NOAA for Defense Meteorological Satellite Program
Defense Meteorological Satellite Program
The Defense Meteorological Satellite Program monitors meteorological, oceanographic, and solar-terrestrial physics for the United States Department of Defense. The program is now run by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The mission of the satellites was revealed in March 1973...
operations.
History
In May 1983, the 4000th Satellite Operations Group at Offutt AFB was transferred to the newly formed Air Force Space CommandAir Force Space Command
Air Force Space Command is a major command of the United States Department of the Air Force, with its headquarters at Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado. AFSPC supports U.S. military operations worldwide through the use of many different types of satellite, launch and cyber operations....
under the 1st Space Wing
1st Space Wing
The 1st Space Wing was a wing of the United States Air Force active from 1983 to 1992 at Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado as part of Air Force Space Command.-History:...
and was given a new designation, the 1000th Satellite Operations Group ('One Grand'). The group reorganized to align itself with the structure of the 2d Space Wing
2d Space Wing
The 2d Space Wing was a wing of the United States Air Force. It activated on 8 July 1985 as the host wing at Falcon Air Force Station . The wing took operational control of the Air Force Satellite Control Network in October 1987...
in 1985. In May 1989, Detachment 1 at Fairchild AFB, Washington, was upgraded to squadron status, becoming the 5th Satellite Control Squadron. In July 1992, the 1000th Satellite Operations Group downsized to a squadron-level organization, becoming the 6th Space Operations Squadron. The unit was still a Regular Air Force unit located in Omaha, NE.
In 1994, President William Clinton signed a bill that would merge federal weather programs. Prior to the merge, federal programs were deemed to be redundant. This merger would save the government money and allow one entity to control national weather products. The merger would move weather operations to the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) located in Suitland, MD.
Major Command
- Air Force Reserve CommandAir Force Reserve CommandThe Air Force Reserve Command is a major command of the U.S. Air Force with its headquarters at Robins AFB, Georgia.It stood up as a major command of the Air Force on 17 February 1997....
(1998 – present) - Air Force Space CommandAir Force Space CommandAir Force Space Command is a major command of the United States Department of the Air Force, with its headquarters at Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado. AFSPC supports U.S. military operations worldwide through the use of many different types of satellite, launch and cyber operations....
(1983–1998)
Wing/Group
- 310th Space Wing310th Space WingThe 310th Space Wing is a United States Air Force unit assigned to the Air Force Reserve Command Tenth Air Force. It is a tenant unit at Schriever Air Force Base, Colo....
(???-Present) - 310th Space Group310th Space WingThe 310th Space Wing is a United States Air Force unit assigned to the Air Force Reserve Command Tenth Air Force. It is a tenant unit at Schriever Air Force Base, Colo....
(???-???) - 50th Space Wing50th Space WingThe 50th Space Wing is a wing of the United States Air Force under the major command of Air Force Space Command . It was activated on 30 January 1992, replacing the 2d Space Wing, which was deactivated on the same date.-Overview:...
(???-???) - 1st Space Wing1st Space WingThe 1st Space Wing was a wing of the United States Air Force active from 1983 to 1992 at Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado as part of Air Force Space Command.-History:...
(???-???)
Detachments
- 1000th SOG, Detachment 1 – Fairchild AFB, Washington (1983–1989)
- 1000th SOG, Detachment 2 – Loring AFB, MaineMaineMaine is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the east and south, New Hampshire to the west, and the Canadian provinces of Quebec to the northwest and New Brunswick to the northeast. Maine is both the northernmost and easternmost...
(1983–1992)
Previous designations
- 6th Space Operations Squadron (July 1992-11 Jun 1998; 30 Sep 1998 – present)
- 1000th Satellite Operations Group (1983–1992)
Spacecraft flown
- Defense Meteorological Satellite ProgramDefense Meteorological Satellite ProgramThe Defense Meteorological Satellite Program monitors meteorological, oceanographic, and solar-terrestrial physics for the United States Department of Defense. The program is now run by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The mission of the satellites was revealed in March 1973...
(DMSPDefense Meteorological Satellite ProgramThe Defense Meteorological Satellite Program monitors meteorological, oceanographic, and solar-terrestrial physics for the United States Department of Defense. The program is now run by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The mission of the satellites was revealed in March 1973...
) (1983–1998; 1998 – present)